Father of 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel, killed in Annunciation shootings, speaks out
The family of one of the victims shot early Wednesday morning at Annunciation Catholic Church in southwest Minneapolis spoke out for the first time Thursday afternoon.
The father of one of the two children killed in the massacre identified the victim as 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel.
Fletcher Merkel
Merkel Family
Here is the full transcript of the family's statement, as delivered by Jesse Merkel:
"Yesterday, a coward decided to take our 8-year-old son, Fletcher, away from us. Because of their actions, we will never be allowed to hold him, talk to him, play with him, and watch him grow into the wonderful young man he was on the path to becoming.
"Fletcher loved his family, friends, fishing, cooking and any sport that he was allowed to play. While the hole in our hearts and lives will never be filled, I hope that in time, our family can find healing. I pray that the other victim's family can find some semblance of the same.
"I'm hopeful that all the wounded are able to make a full recovery and return home to their families, and finally, all the people — and especially the children impacted by this horrific event — are able to recover mentally and find strength to live loving, happy and full lives.
"Over the past day, I've heard many stories accounting the swift and heroic actions of children and adults alike from inside the church. Without these people and their selfless actions, this could have been a tragedy of many magnitudes more for these people. I'm thankful.
"Moving forward, we ask not for your sympathy, but your empathy as our family and the Annunciation community grieve and try to make sense of such a senseless act of violence. Please remember Fletcher for the person he was and not the act that ended his life. Give your kids an extra hug and kiss today. We love you. Fletcher, you'll always be with us."
Another child, 10, was also killed during the shooting. Another 18 people were hurt, including 15 fellow Annunciation students between the ages of 6 and 15. Three adults, all in their 80s, were also shot. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara says all of the children are expected to survive; however, at least seven victims were in critical condition when they arrived at a hospital on Wednesday.
Hennepin Healthcare CEO Thomas Klemond described a child who remained in critical condition as "touch and go" on Thursday morning.
Wednesday's shooting prompted responses from lawmakers, advocacy groups and religious leaders across the state, country and world. President Trump and Gov. Tim Walz have ordered all U.S. and Minnesota state flags to fly at half-mast for at least through the end of the month to honor the shooting victims.
Vigils were held across the Twin Cities metro for the victims, and a moment of silence was held ahead of the game between the Minnesota Twins and the Toronto Blue Jays in Canada on Wednesday night. Efforts and events are underway to help those affected by the shooting.
